Critically Acclaimed WWII Film 'Anthropoid' Now Free to Stream on Amazon Prime
A gripping war film featuring an all-star cast and hailed by some viewers as 'one of the most underrated of all time' is now available to stream for free. Set during the Second World War, Anthropoid dramatises the real-life assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, a high-ranking SS official and one of the main architects of the Holocaust.
The Historical Operation and Stellar Cast
Known as Operation Anthropoid, this daring mission was carried out by exiled Czechoslovak soldiers Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš. The film stars Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan as Gabčík and Kubiš, respectively, bringing their heroic story to life with intense performances. Heydrich, described by Adolf Hitler as 'the man with the iron heart,' was a key figure in Nazi atrocities, making this historical event both poignant and significant.
Released in 2016, Anthropoid has garnered a 4.5-star rating on Amazon Prime Video, where it is now freely accessible to UK viewers. The film's release predates Murphy's Best Actor Oscar win for Oppenheimer by eight years, yet it showcases his early talent in another WWII-themed role.
Audience Praise and Critical Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, viewers have expressed overwhelming admiration for the film. One enthusiast wrote, 'This has to be the most underrated World War II movies of all time. There are so many unknown amazing stories from the war, and I’m glad that the creators decided to shed light on this one. Amazing action and amazing drama; great movie!'
Another commented, 'This movie was insanely ahead of its time, from the pacing, to the cinematography, to the acting, to the production value itself.' A third viewer described it as 'a hidden gem, and one of Cillian Murphy’s best films. I am in awe.' Additionally, a Slovak viewer noted, 'As a Slovak person, I am deeply touched by the performance of all actors. I’d also like to note that the production included Czech actors to star in the film about Czechoslovakia. I find it a sign of respect.'
However, critics offered more mixed opinions. The Washington Post observed, 'War movies all too often take it for granted that some causes are worth dying for. To have characters grapple with that notion, imperfectly, is nothing short of cathartic.' In contrast, Rolling Stone remarked that it was 'an opportunity missed,' adding, 'Anthropoid reduces a riveting and resonant piece of WW2 history to moral muddle and monotonous filmmaking.'
Supporting Cast and Additional Streaming Highlight
The film's ensemble cast also includes notable actors such as Toby Jones, Harry Lloyd, Charlotte Le Bon, and Anna Geislerová, enhancing its dramatic depth. Meanwhile, in related streaming news, a 'magnificent' period drama titled Mrs Brown (1997) is also now available for free viewing. Starring Dame Judi Dench and Sir Billy Connolly, this film explores the unlikely love story between Queen Victoria and her servant, John Brown, following Prince Albert's death.
Mrs Brown boasts an impressive 7.2 out of 10 rating on IMDb and a 92 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics' consensus praises it for 'top notch acting, the chemistry between its stars, and a witty, thoughtful script,' delivering a nuanced account of this historical relationship. One IMDb reviewer awarded it 10 out of 10, calling it 'a sprightly, entertaining and engrossing study of a moment in the life of enigmatic Queen Victoria,' while another highlighted its emotional depth as 'a love story with a difference.'
